by Anna Otieno
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- Facebook Credits, the virtual currency used in Facebook games like FarmVille and Action SUDOKU, recently made the jump to real-life retail shelves at Target stores nationwide.
- Facebook Credits cards can be bought in $15, $25 and $50 increments and are redeemable in over 150 Facebook applications and games.
- Annual sales from virtual goods hit the $2.2 billion mark in 2009, and are rapidly rising. Facebook Credits gift cards are expected to reach additional retail outlets throughout fall 2010 — priming consumers for a bevy of virtual currency gifting this coming holiday season.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Cloud gaming is officially big business, whether on Web-connected consoles or major social networks. With so many consumers’ heads in the clouds, it only makes sense to extend online product gifting possibilities to the offline world. Look for virtual currency gift cards to continue mainstreaming as consumers look for new ways to deepen and socialize their casual gaming experiences.
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